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February 28, 2010

Aicon S.p.A., the Group from Messina which operates in the design, construction and sale of pleasure craft and luxury motor yachts, has finalized a new dealership agreement for the commercialization of Aicon branded motoryachts and megayachts with Sailing Plus in the Middle East area and, precisely, in Lebanon. The agreement signed with one of the most important companies in the Middle East nautical field, is part of the plan of geographical expansion of the distribution network in order to extend the business boundaries in an international perspective. Established in 2001, Sailing Plus is one of the pioneers in the Lebanese marine industry, becoming one of the major players in the yachting sector in Lebanon and the Gulf, thanks to experience gained during the years and constant efficiency in the productivity, driven by dedication and passion to the yachting world. The company offers a various range of services, as new yachts sale, marine engineering, yachts charter, used yacht sale and yachting management. Sailing Plus is based in front of La Marina JK, just 15 minutes north of Beirut. It can count on a 500 square meters office, on a 2000 square meters of land used as permanent boat show and on a warehouse. It also has a widespread presence in the whole territory of Lebanon thanks to bases in the best Marinas of the country.

Azimut Confirms Appeal to US Customers

Azimut Yachts and the United States, a marriage based on success. Figures from the start of 2010 are exceedingly positive and even point to significant acceleration compared to previous years. The Azimut Yachts stand, with its ten models on show, attracted a large, enthusiastic public at the Miami Boat Show. A good many contracts were signed and a large number of deals are currently underway with American boat owners who have shown themselves to be particularly interested in the top-of-the-range models, with sales in the 70 feet line and up to the admiral of the fly bridge line, the 116.

Cigarette Supercar Experience

Hot off a successful Miami International Boat Show, where it unveiled its newest AMG-Inspired 46' Cigarette, custom- built to debut Mercury Racing's revolutionary high-horsepower 1350 Quad Cam, 4-valve twin engines, Cigarette Racing Team is hitting the road literally. The company, along with its inspiration, the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG, will be on display at the SuperCar Experience in Palm Beach, Florida, February 26 to 28. The show is the first of three enthusiast events to be staged this year, including New Orleans and The Hamptons; it incorporates a night on the track at Palm Beach International Raceway and a waterfront display on Flagler Drive where the AMG- Inspired Cigarette and Mercedes Benz SLS AMG will be on display on Saturday. An equestrian event and an evening of dinners and parties at prestigious Palm Beach locations will close the weekend. In attendance will be supercar owners, race car drivers and auto aficionados, all converging to share their penchant for horsepower. The Cigarette AMG Legendary Creations story was reported by hundreds of online, print and broadcast news services, at the show and in the following week. The brand melding was the first for both companies and demonstrated the successful cross-promotion of their audiences. Cigarette's display at the Miami International Boat show featured both the new powerboat and Gullwing-designed Mercedes Benz SLS AMG which had not been seen previously in the southeast. The boat and car shared a rich silver highly metallic alubeam paint scheme wrapped around crisp porcelain black and white upholstery. Carbon fiber accents add strength as well as design detail and the whole booth, featuring a floor-to-ceiling historic photo collage backdrop and complementary furniture and lighting designs won Cigarette the Best Boat Display in the show-for a second time. While the new AMG-Inspired boat drew much attention and loyal customers vied for the first of the new model and engines to be released in the fall, Cigarette enjoyed boat sales of its popular 39 Top Gun Unlimited, Top Fish center console and other powerboats ranging from 38-50 feet. The SuperCar Experience runs February 26 - 28 and Cigarette Racing Team and Mercedes AMG will travel to more events over the course of the coming months.

Jarrett Bay New Dealer

Jarrett Bay Boatworks extends is custom and semi-production sportfish sales force, as well as our Beaufort, North Carolina full-service facility network throughout South Florida and the Caribbean with our recently formed Yachting Experts owner-partners Frank and Betty De Varona have a combined 25 years of boating experience and an impressive list of Top Producer awards, A-list product & service affiliations, and a vast & loyal base of customers they bring to the table. Jarrett Bay Boatworks President Randy Ramsey stated, he is thrilled to have the Yachting Experts duo of Frank and Betty De Varona representing Jarrett Bay in the markets they know best. We have always had a strong interest in our products and services from the South Florida and Latin American communities, and now with the De Varona’s dedication to and established reputation in this territory, we expect to see growth in both our new construction and service divisions. Wealthy foreign nationals continue to flock to South Florida in numbers so significant that Scotiabank opened a Wealth Management Center in Miami in June 2009. In a recent Palm Beach Post article, Staff Writer Monica Hatcher notes that distressed real estate sales in the South Florida marketplace have lured foreign nationals to this region of the United States, and have spurred a flood of applications for investor visas in the region. Many of these investors have also taken to the intrinsic Miami boating lifestyle and naturally chosen the De Varonas as their sales associates of choice. Combining the elements of Jarrett Bay’s superior offerings with Yachting Experts’ innate understanding of the dynamics of the region create the ideal platform for exciting new opportunities in an otherwise disenchanting time. Located at the epicenter of South Florida yachting, the Yachting Experts office and slips at Monty’s in Coconut Grove are just minutes from Miami International Airport, more than 28 marinas within a 15 mile radius, and some of the largest waterfront communities in the United States.

Heesen Open Mediterranean Office in Viareggio

Heesen Yachts is proud to announce the opening of a Mediterranean office, strategically located in the port of Viareggio on the coast of Tuscany, some 20 kilometres from Pisa Airport. This office, which is managed by Heesen Yacht’s Sales and Marketing Director Fabio Ermetto, is dedicated to Public Relations and Media activities. The Mediterranean Sea is a favorite destination for the majority of Heesen yachts and Viareggio is at the very heart of its business. A location in Via Coppino, the so-called 5th Avenue of the yachting industry’, is the right place to meet press, designers and brokers.

Heesen Launch VistaJet Colloboration

Heesen Yachts, a leading manufacturer of high performance motor yachts has launched a joint marketing collaboration with VistaJet, the world’s premier luxury private aviation provider. Announced at the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show 2010, the non-commercial relationship will enable both companies to capitalise on the synergies that exist between their respective target customers: yacht owners and leasers, and users of business aviation services. The announcement reflects the growing trend in the high-end luxury sector for companies from different sectors but with a shared customer demographic, to work together on joint marketing initiatives to cost-effectively build opportunities and deliver business growth. VistaJet, which has the largest fleet of wholly-owned aircraft outside the Americas, offers two distinct flight solutions, tailored to suit individual travellers’ needs. Program is for the more frequent traveler flying 100 hours or more per year, who want guaranteed availability at a simple occupied hourly rate and access to any aircraft in VistaJet’s fleet. On-demand is for the more occasional traveler who still requires a consistent, high quality service on each trip. VistaJet’s business models are built on luxury, simplicity and pricing transparency.

Kadey-Krogen New Sales Representative

Kadey-Krogen Yachts has added a new sales representative to their Annapolis team and the name Greg Kaufman will be familiar to many as he has over 30 years of experience in the marine industry. Greg Kaufman takes the place of sales representative Greg Sapp who relocated to Kadey-Krogen’s Stuart office. Greg’s career in the marine industry began at Fawcett Boat Supplies in Annapolis in 1973 where he worked his way up to become an owner in 1986 and managed the company as President until its sale in 2005. Greg spent much of his time consulting with customers helping them to refurbish, outfit, and maintain their vessels. His personal boating activities have included big boat racing, cruising under sail, and cruising under power. He has coastal, offshore, and Caribbean experience on a wide array of vessels both power and sail from the J-boats to a log canoe to a Bertram 28 sportfish, a Shannon Express Trawler, and Back Cove 29. He has also done numerous deliveries and cruises on a variety of trawlers along the East Coast. Greg is well suited to work with Kadey-Krogen clients who are transitioning from sail to power as well as those just entering a boating career. For the last four years, Greg served as a yacht broker with Martin Bird and Associates where he pursued his passion for boats by facilitating the purchase process for his clients, helping them to get the most enjoyment out of their time on the water. His broker experience at Martin Bird gave him an insider understanding to integral components of boat buying and will enable him to best guide clients as they become a part of the Kadey-Krogen community.

Maritimo New Sydney Team Head

Boating identity Steve Batton is planning to boost the Sydney luxury boating market after taking the reins as Dealer Principal of Maritimo Sydney. Maritimo's Peter Jenkins announced the appointment, saying Mr Batton will bring a wide range of strengths and experience to the business. David Stevens continues his role in sales at the dealership while Ryan Durman has been appointed as customer service representative for all Sydney clients. Steve Batton began working in the industry at the age of 12, washing boats at a brokerage on Sydney's Pittwater. After studying finance at university, Steve worked as an options trader in the Sydney financial markets for four years but continued to spend weekends as a boat broker.

Marquis Renews with Nuvolari-Lenard

Marquis Yachts has renewed and extended its design and engineering contract for all Marquis boats with Nuvolari-Lenard Naval Design of Venice, Italy. The Italian design firm has been working with Marquis for more than nine years. The new contract is multi-year.

Mustang Showcase New Model at Melbourne Boat and Lifestyle Festival

Last weekend Australia’s largest Sports Cruiser manufacturer showcased one of its newest additions to the fleet, the 2850 Sports Cruiser, at the Melbourne Boat and Lifestyle Festival at Docklands. The new Mustang 2850 Sports Cruiser is the first of four new Sports Cruiser models the company will release. The 2850 Super Sports will be launched at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May 2010 and to follow Mustang will see the release of the 3350 Sports Cruiser and the 3850 Sports Cruiser.

Mustang New Dealer

Mustang Marine, has expanded its dealer network with appointing a South Australian Dealer. Mustang Marine and Port River Marine will join collectively to showcase the Mustang Range of Flybridges, Coupes and Cruisers in South Australia. Dealer Principals of Port River Marine, Jim and Leica Theodore, said that their team at Port River Marine are excited to represent the Mustang brand. Port River Marine began in 1985 and is a family owned and operated business. The current facility spans over 23,000m2 and is situated on the Port River at Snowdens Beach. Jim and Leica Theodore have worked within the marine industry for the past 35 years and have now incorporated Mustang Marine into their developments. Port River Marine is a well established and respected company with extensive experience in marine vessels. Mustang Marine has over the course of the last 2 years been re-establishing its dealer network to strengthen Mustangs market position in Australia and New Zealand.

Moonen Yachts Finalist World Super Yacht Awards 2010

Moonen Shipyards are proud to announce that the Moonen 124 Displacement Northlander and the Moonen 99 Alu Semi-Displacement Phoebe, both launched in 2009, have been listed as finalists for Boat International's World Superyacht Awards for 2010. After voting by 15 judges, all of which superyacht owners plus two industry professionals the winners will be announced at the Boat International Media gala in London on 22 May 2010.

Nor-Tech Powerboats Joins Powerboat P1 World Championship

Old race boats never seem to die; they just become part of a recycling process that connects racers from around the world in a fraternity of offshore history. That very experience brought Patrick Huybreghts, a Belgian, together with Adib Mastry, an American boat racer and engine specialist over a decade ago. Just recently, the two closed a deal on a new Nor-Tech racing boat that could launch Huybreghts and his Powerboat P1 Spirit of Belgium Racing Team into a new chapter of his racing history. Mastry, who owns Mastry Engine Center on the West Coast of Florida, had sold engines for a Hatteras to Belgian Ray Van den Langenbergh, a friend of Huybreght's. As often happens in the boating business, friendship circles broaden and before long, Mastry was selling his own 38' Nor-Tech race boat with Mercury Racing 500's to Huybreghts. The boat had great credibility in racing for Mastry and was a step up for Huybreghts from his 21' Scarab. The two did several other boat deals to service Huybreght's business, Offshore Events, a corporate entertainment company that provides helicopter, Ferrari and powerboat rides to executives and their guests. Though the 2009 Powerboat P1 World Championship was Huybreght's "rookie" racing season, he already proved his mettle as a throttleman in over 15 years of powerboating and by setting a Guinness Book of World Records for an English Channel crossing speed record at 29 minutes, 26 seconds in 2007, towing waterski champ Micha Robyn. When he decided to go racing in the SuperSport class, his 38' Nor-Tech with twin Mercury Racing 500's seemed good enough for the competition; his 3-man team including Marc Sluszny and Micha Robijn proved fairly successful-especially in Sweden where they earned a second place finish, before blowing up their engines in the last race of the season. Ever-competitive, Huybreghts wanted to do better in 2010 and the props began to turn when he and veteran P1 racer and former commentator, Shelley Jory-Leigh, formed a new team. Jory-Leigh, who earned her reputation as a strong and fierce competitor in the former Honda Series (now a part of Powerboat P1 called SuperStock), went on to race in P1 with US championship racer Nigel Hook, then with Audrien Ciantar of the Chaudron Maltese boat-building family. When the two racers put their heads together, true team work happened and they have their sights set on a promising year. The duo will head to Cape Coral, Florida to test the new boat at the end of February, just in time to get it shipped to Europe for the start of the 2010 Powerboat P1 season in Split, Croatia. The boat is Nor-Tech's 427, the newest V-bottom and will sport Mercury Racing 600 engines with six drives. Nor-Tech builds both catamaran and V-bottom hulls and though the principals are Norwegian, they have been building high-performance boats in Florida for over 20 years. Huybreghts is looking forward to a return trip to Florida to get into the boat, having just returned from seeing its building in-progress. While there, he will work with both Nor-Tech and Mastry, who can provide additional racing set-up assistance, based on his own racing in a Nor-Tech and work with numerous offshore clients.

Pantera Returns to Powerboat P1

If preparation is key to a successful racing venture, then the new Phoenix 8 TV/Pantera Racing Team could be a contender in the 2010 Powerboat P1 World Championship SuperSport class. Two years ago, veteran American championship racer Jo Nunez, president of Pantera Boats, began conversations with P1 racer, Martin Lai of the Phoenix 8 TV team, about building a boat that would stand up to the rough waters of the Powerboat P1 World Championship. Nunez, a World Champ, and his father, Pepe, an Offshore Champion and speed record holder were giving a second look at an existing mold for 41-foot Pantera they had never put into production. For 24 months, Lai and Nunez exchanged emails and phone calls discussing the boat, the set-up, and racing strategy exchanges that resulted in the pair agreeing to race together under the Phoenix 8 TV/Pantera Racing Team banner in hopes of capturing a Powerboat P1 World Championship title. The pair will be partnered in a new custom-built 41-foot Pantera with a twin-step bottom and powered by a pair of Mercury Racing 525 EFIs with NXT1SSM drives, a combination of the Mercury Racing #6 Drive and a NXT1 transmission. Lai, the only Chinese competitor in offshore, is a UK-based businessman and has raced in the SuperSport class the past three years; he also has extensive experience racing in England and the Far East. Nunez, first generation American of Cuban parents, grew up in the family boat-building business. Following in his father's footsteps, he raced to a SBI World Championship in 2001, and has raced in Factory 1, Factory 2 and P-Class. Racing has been the main-stay of his life, starting as a NHRA Drag driver for Benihana Racing at just 16. While he hasn't raced boats since 2006, due to the company's busy pace, building patrol and pleasure boats, but ever a competitor, he still races motocross as a hobby. Phoenix 8 TV/Pantera Racing Team will draw on Pepe Nunez's 35-years of boat-building and race experience, including a Miami to New York record run in 1978. The elder Nunez set that record in a 24-foot Pantera with twin Mercury 2.4 litre outboards. Pantera previously competed in Powerboat P1, when Fair & White Racing ran a Pantera 36 in SuperSport from 2004 through 2006. Jo Nunez is interested in the adaptation to P1 and European-style offshore racing, citing his experience in the speed-bracketed U.S. P-Class racing as a plus. Lai and Nunez plan to do testing in Florida, before shipping the boat to Europe for the 2010 season opener in Split, Croatia, April 16-18. The team also has the advantage of a partnership with the largest independent satellite broadcasting company in China, Phoenix TV, which will televise the Powerboat P1 Championships globally, providing exposure for the teams in Asia, a new growth market for the marine and luxury products. The Powerboat P1 World Championships are broadcast globally through a variety of international broadcasters including EuroSport, RAI and in the US, MAV-TV.

Princess Achieve Environmental Award

Plymouth-based luxury boat builder, Princess Yachts has been recognized for its excellence in the environmental management of its business. The company has just been awarded ISO 14001, making it the first major European-based boat builder to gain this stringent international standard. The ISO 14001 standard measures the environmental impact of a company both internally and in the local community. Princess carried out a company-wide investigation into every aspect of its manufacturing activities, products and services, with every department within the company’s manufacturing sites and offices assessing all processes that had an environmental impact. The process included analyzing the use of materials, noise, emissions, and waste. Areas of particular scrutiny included the lamination process, extraction of dust in the GRP manufacturing areas, the paint process, and carpentry workshops. Energy management and usage throughout all Princess factories was also subject to a rigorous survey. By identifying where the energy use was highest, the company installed inverter controllers to help reduce usage, thus reducing the company’s overall carbon footprint. Externally, Princess worked with suppliers to reduce waste generated from externally supplied goods and products. Internally systems have been implemented to ensure waste is better segregated for recycling and a programme of noise reducing measures was introduced, designed to benefit employees and the local community alike. The company philosophy for improving efficiencies is certainly nothing new, particularly within the yachts themselves. Weight reduction programmes to improve vessel performance and consumption have resulted in significant advances in this area over the years - in fact, some of the latest production technology employed has benefited both the product and much of the ISO 14001 standard’s criteria. Resin infusion manufacturing massively reduces emissions and odor while significantly reducing the final product weight. Achieving compliance with the ISO 14001 standard is not just about meeting these stringent targets but is about demonstrating continuous improvement and Princess Yachts remains committed to reviewing all areas looking for further advancements. Continuous initiatives, such as instruction and awareness training ensuring adoption of new processes and the use of new technology, have already ensured a company-wide acceptance of the environmental management system.

Princess New Hong Kong Partnership

Princess Yachts International plc has signed Chart Victory Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of China Haidian Holdings, as its new distributor for Hong Kong, with immediate effect. The company will operate under the name Princess Yachts Hong Kong in a move that further emphasises the increased focus the British boat builder has placed on the Asia region in recent years. Princess Yachts Hong Kong will work directly with Princess Yachts International’s manufacturing, marketing and sales facilities in the UK and utilise the strong marketing expertise of China Haidian within the market to strengthen the Princess brand’s presence there. Mr Hon Kwok Lung, Chairman of China Haidian, sees a strong future for Princess in Hong Kong and is very encouraged by the boat builder’s plans.

Riviera Message

At a meeting held on Friday 22nd January 2010 in Brisbane the creditors of Riviera, Australia’s largest luxury boat builder, voted in favour of a Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA) that will see all current and former employees receive their full entitlements and a dividend paid to unsecured creditors. During the receivership the operations of Riviera have been restructured to achieve greater efficiency and continued production of high quality Riviera vessels. The DOCA is a further step in restructuring Riviera and enabling it to trade in its own right, outside of formal administration processes. In effect, completion of the terms of the DOCA will bring to an end the official appointment of Voluntary Administrators to Riviera. This will allow the receivers and Riviera management to continue to improve and grow the Riviera business. The acceptance of the proposed DOCA is a further milestone in the rebuilding process of Riviera since the considerable effects of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) impacted the global luxury boat building industry forcing Riviera into receivership on May 8 2009. Riviera coming out of Administration also removes any possibility of the liquidation of the legal entities that were previously under Administration. This creates even greater security and confidence in Riviera moving forward. As we enter a new year, Riviera, is powering into 2010 with strong sales, realistic global inventory levels and is actively engaged in multiple new product development projects for release at major Boat Shows this year are certainly in a strong position to maximise the opportunities of the economic recovery in 2010. Riviera will continue to excite the market again this year. This significant agreement was reached with the unanimous support from creditors for the DOCA covering five trading entities within the Riviera Group of companies. The DOCA covers the current Riviera trading entities; Riviera Marine (INT.) Pty Limited, R Marine Pittwater Pty Limited, Riviera Runaway Bay Pty Limited, Riviera Coomera Pty Limited and Riviera Marine (MFG) Pty Limited. The eight remaining, non trading entities of the Riviera Group are no longer required given the corporate rationalisation and restructuring of the group and so are not included in the DOCA. Under the terms of the DOCA, former employees of the Riviera DOCA companies will receive all of their unpaid wages, superannuation, annual leave and any relevant redundancy payment. Current Riviera employee’s entitlements will continue to accrue and be available to those employees in the ordinary course of business. Creditors will also benefit from the terms of the DOCA with a dividend being paid to unsecured creditors. Under the terms of the DOCA, former employee entitlements will be paid by the Receivers and Managers by April 30, 2010 and funds will be paid to the Administrators by 30 June 2010 to enable a dividend to be paid to unsecured creditors. This will result in the Riviera DOCA companies coming out of administration.

Riviera Appoints New US Dealer

Riviera and Emerald Pacific Yachts have joined forces to service the entire US West Coast from Alaska in the north to more than 2,500 nautical miles south to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico as Riviera’s exclusive distributor. With two dealership locations in Seattle and San Diego; Emerald Pacific Yachts recently merged with Alliance Yacht Sales, a long-standing Riviera dealer operated by father and son team Robert and Rob Scott. Emerald Pacific Yachts was established 13 years ago and is a well-respected company with substantial experience in selling quality motor yachts up to 130ft. Dealer Principal Rob Scott brings with him 14 years experience and extensive knowledge of the Riviera line through his passion for boating. During this period, Alliance Yacht Sales delivered more than 100 new Riviera. Mr. Scott said Riviera was well-known and respected on the West Coast for their great sea keeping ability, along with world-class style and industry leading innovation. Director of Riviera Yachts USA Inc Chris McCafferty said the new partnership with Emerald Pacific Yachts was a strong move for Riviera in the United States as the company continues to power ahead in 2010.

Riviera Excite US Market

Australia’s largest luxury pleasure boat builder, Riviera received a very positive response to its newest models at the Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show held earlier this month on Collins Avenue, Miami Beach with sales achieved across the Sport Yacht and Flybridge lines. Among the sales at Miami were the new 43 Open Flybridge with IPS, 5800 Sport Yacht with IPS and 5000 Sport Yacht with Zeus drives, which means that all these new models are now bound for the United States in coming months to be exhibited in October at the US premiere boat show at Fort Lauderdale from October 28 to November 1. Director of Riviera Yachts Chris McCafferty said the US market was very excited about Riviera's new models and the company's future.

Riviera Fairytale

Snow White and the Seven Aboard is the story of one Aussie family living the Riviera dream. For Kylie and Alan Moses every time they step on board their Riviera 51 they feel like they are stepping into a fairytale. The Moses family bought the Riviera 51 in August 2009 at the Sydney International Boat Show and named her Snow White and the Seven Aboard because between them, Kylie and Alan have five children. Lilly is the family dog, a Cavoodle, which is a King Charles Cavalier and Poodle cross. Living on the Port Hacking River in Grays Point, Sydney, gives the Moses family easy access to Sydney's picturesque waterways where they spend most weekends water skiing, snorkelling, fishing and cruising. Alan said they would often cruise 100 nautical miles outside to Nelsons Bay at Port Stephens but were planning to venture further offshore for a few longer journeys. The family is actively involved in water sports - Kylie and Alan enjoy diving and Alan also likes fishing. The family also play soccer together. Alan said the Riviera 51 was a great way to bring the family together to spend some quality time doing the things you love. Christmas and New Year were a blast on board with the family enjoying the spectacular fireworks display on Sydney Harbour. They are also planning a trip to Port Stephens and will celebrate Australia Day in true Aussie Style with a 10 boat raft up and barbecue on board in the south west arm at Port Hacking. The 51 is Alan's first Riviera and he is proud to be able to share the spirit of boating with his family and live the Riviera Dream.

Sunseeker Charity Auction Prize

Sunseeker Seychelles, together with Zil Pasyon, were featured at a prestigious London Charity Auction and Fashion Show where they provided the Premium Auction Prize for the benefit of Maggie's Centres located around the UK. Maggie's Centres offer a peaceful non-institutional environment to allow cancer sufferers and their families deal with living with cancer. The spectacular Anna Valentine Fashion Show, was held at the unique venue, the Royal Court of Justice, where Anna Valentine launched her Spring/Summer 2010 collection in her first public launch of a collection in five years. Sunseeker Seychelles and Zil Pasyon donated a one week stay for two aboard a luxury Sunseeker motoryacht to cruise the inner islands of Seychelles, together with a one week's stay at the Zil Pasyon Resort and Residences on Felicité Island. The Duchess of Cornwall was in attendance as President of Maggie's and the prize was the Premium Prize amongst others which also included a private viewing of the residence of the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles. Leading light in the British couture scene, Anna Valentine designed and made the Duchess of Cornwall's wedding dress.

Sunseeker Sponsor Biggest South Rally

The prestigious Rallye Sunseeker, taking place on 26th and 27th February in Dorset, will see the world's motor sport elite brought to Poole Quay, home to Sunseeker's shipyards where a unique ceremony and parade will open the rally. A Sunseeker Yacht will be on display at the quay from 6.00pm- 8.00pm. Expected to attract up to 10,000 spectators, Rallye Sunseeker 2010 will be showcasing all the competing cars during the ceremonial start at Poole Quay from 6.15pm on Friday 26th with the Mayor of Poole flagging the cars off from 7.30pm. Enthusiasts will also be able to view the cars before the rally at the Littledown Leisure Centre in Bournemouth on Friday 26th February where the competing cars will undergo inspection for the rally. The event itself, known to be the biggest rally staged in the South, took place on Saturday 27 February in Wareham Forest, Ringwood Forest and Somerley Park, near Ringwood. A motorfair will be held at Somerley Park which will include catering, hospitality, a classic car display, a Pirelli Rally simulator as well as an F1 simulator, a display of Richard Burns cars, a Sunseeker XS Challenger, and a fun fair and farmer's market.

Sunseeker New German Offices

Sunseeker Germany AG relocates headquarter to a few meters away up the Elbe river. With effect from 1 March 2010, the headquarters of Sunseeker Germany AG will have moved to its new offices within the Hanseatic City of Hamburg. This new place of business is located in Kajen 6-8, only 400 meters away from the previous address in Stubbenhuk 9. With its light-flooded architecture and beautiful view to the Old Warehouse District of Hamburg, the new offices offer a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior is well laid out, offering a more modern and ergonomic design that has been adapted to suit the companies individual requirements. The new address in Kajen 6-8 has an excellent infrastructure and is easy to find. Sunseeker Germany AG has for the last six years, been located in Stubbenhuk opposite the Hamburg City Marina. However, the takeover of Sunseeker Germany AG by the Jürgen Dorsch Group in November 2009 saw the new location of Kajen 6-8 being favored by the Management. Here, the experienced and long term employees will take care of the sales and marketing activities for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland and China. The relocation is aimed to achieve improved cost efficiency.

Viking Captures President Cup

For the past six years in a row, the Viking Yacht Company has been awarded the World Billfish Series’ President’s Cup in recognition of its top winning performance in over 60 fishing tournaments on the WBS World Tour. During the recent Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show, Sam White of the World Billfish Series presented Viking’s Executive Vice President, Pat Healey with the Kona Blue trophy by Geoffrey Smith for Viking’s performance during the 2009 tournament season.

February 27, 2010

Outer Reef Yachts of Fort Lauderdale recently launched their new 86 Skylounge long range MotorYacht, to fully Bureau Veritas Class. Bound for Turkey, this new flagship of the Outer Reef line will be playing the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the scenic islands along the coast of Turkey. Built for a very experienced yachtsmen and shipping magnate in Istanbul, he insisted on a yacht built to exacting standards and of the highest quality. Sea Trials were performed in Taiwan in middle December and the Super Yacht performed flawlessly, under the scrutiny of BV inspectors, the owner and his Captain. The 86 Skylounge is also equipped with STAR system stabilization at rest provided by TRAC. The Turkish owner opted for a four cabin interior with a full beam owners suite, and VIP cabin to fore. Crew quarters with two cabins, a lobby and direct engine room access is located to aft. The 86 Skylounge is powered by twin Cats 705hp engines. Outer Reef Yachts is also currently building a new 70' model for an Australian client to Queensland Commercial Survey, a very stringent building code for commercial vessels. This vessel will be put into commercial charter service and will serve as a mother ship for sport fishing expeditions on the Great Barrier Reef. Technical Data:
LOA - 24.42 m (86.8ft)
Waterline Length - 23.8 m
Beam - 6.25 m
Draft - 1.68 m
Displacement - 101.15 t
Fuel Capacity - 11355 l
Water Capacity - 1893 l
Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabins, 4 crew berths in 2 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cats C12 Acert 705hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Construction - hand laid FRP hull with vinylister resin, sandwich above waterline and deck
Certification - Bureau Veritas Class

February 26, 2010

The project of the 55 Fast Commuter is the second completely new model from Morgan, since this builder was taken over from new owners Aicon Group in 2007. The first of the new ownership Morgan's is the recently presented 33 Dinghy. As the model name says the new Morgan will be a Fast Commuter styled Traditional Yacht. Fast Commuters are often mixed up with the Lobster Down East design due to similar looks, but can be noticed being different in having more interior accommodation, smaller aft cockpit, and a more straight shear line. Officially a Fast Commuter is a bigger and richer interpretation of the working Lobster boat. Back in time to the early part of the twentieth century Fast Commuters where the symbol of rich New Yorkers, using them as a means of transport or commuting to go from the exclusive Long Island residential area to the business central Manhattan. The 55 project will be the smallest of the four Fast Commuter models from Morgan, filling the void between the 44 Lobster, and the 70 Fast Commuter. While emphasising traditional lines the Morgan 55 Fast Commuter also has some modern touches, like an integrated slope designed stern bathing platform, and a rather spacious cockpit with a C-shaped settee and small sun pad aft. Accommodation is for three double cabins with two heads, and a crew cabin aft. Power is from twin MAN 800hp engines with estimated speeds of a 35 knots max, and 28 knots cruise.

Hatteras continues the year-long celebration of its 50th Anniversary by making a stunning design debut at the 2010 Miami Boat Show. Already a popular model, the Hatteras 60 Motor Yacht underwent an intensive design review this past year. With input from dozens of Hatteras customers plus owners of competitive products, Hatteras totally redesigned the interior spaces and added square footage in the galley and salon with an innovative approach to layout and construction that makes this boat among the largest in its size motor yacht. The unique design theme that flows throughout the boat combines exotic woods with dual tone wall coverings and padded panels. This creates a continuous and open environment that leads you gracefully from the aft deck all the way to the full-beam master and beyond. These sweeping changes do not stop at the salon door. The Hatteras design team created a fresh new look for the exterior with minor tweaks to the window lines, and the elimination of the engine room vents in the hull side. The flybridge is also improved with a tinted windscreen and a modified deck layout to maximize entertainment space up above. The 60 Motor Yacht can now also be ordered with an extra of 270hp thanks to more powerful optional Cats C18 1135hp engines.

February 25, 2010

Fairline's 44 Targa Open model is the rethinking of the 44 Targa GT launched in 2007. The 44 Targa GT was much acclaimed during its launch by the British builder for its two year testing in order to make the best of Volvo IPS pods. Strangely two years after its presentation Fairline gives the 44 Targa GT a propulsion change, now with stern drives, a new cockpit design which favours a longer settee, and gets added with a new Open no hardtop model version. While many questions may arise mostly regarding the propulsion change what it certainly did was to make the 44 Targa Open, a more competitively priced Fairline model in this size range. Apart the now more competitive edge the other benefits are a more sportier also cheaper no hardtop version, and an exterior aft deck which gives more settee place for entertaining. The interior with twin double cabins, two heads, saloon and galley is the same. Worth to note here is the clever second guest shower head which unlike most of the competition stands outside of the guest cabin. The split level exterior is also unchanged in its other areas like the well sized wet bar, and L-shaped settee to port of the helm station. The stern drive propulsion change apart discounting the price give also better economy and speeds with less power, achieving a 35 knots with the largest twin 370hp optional choice. Technical Data:
LOA - 13,68 m (44.9ft)
Hull Length - 13.12 m
Beam - 4.04 m
Draft - 1.01 m
Displacement - 11.12 t dry
Fuel Capacity - 996 l
Water Capacity - 320 l
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 300hp, D6 370hp
Propulsion - Volvo stern drive
Speed - 32 knots max with D4 300hp, 35 knots with D6 370hp
Hull - deep forward section with nineteen degrees deadrise aft
Construction - hand laid gel coat fiberglass, polyurethane foam core for deck
Project - Fairline Design Team, Bernard Olenski hull

Nordhavn follow up their two latest innovative designs, the 56 Motorsailer and the 75 Expedition Yachtfisher, Pacific Asian Enterprises Inc, has once again stretched the boundaries of their trawler line with the introduction of the 78 project, a long-range, contemporary-styled yacht. The Nordhavn 78 will serve to fulfill the needs of the class of boater who wants the proven ocean crossing capabilities of a Nordhavn combined with the sleek lines comprised by typical European style yachts. Key to the design is the emphasis Chief Designer Jeff Leishman has placed on outdoor living, starting with the flybridge. The 78 flybridge will feature a Jacuzzi, wetbar, barbecue and a large open deck area perfect for entertaining. Meanwhile, the foredeck a typical lounging hotspot on most European boats has been designated to be an ideal outdoor chilling space. The cockpit of the 78 has been opened up, too, further enhancing entertaining possibilities. Another draw of the new 78 is that it better segregates the crew from the owners and their guests. Like the entire Nordhavn range with the exception of the 120, the 78 is intended to be operated without a captain. However, Leishman has designed engine room access in the transom so that employed crew can enter the area without impacting company on board. The Nordhavn 78 will come equipped with twin Cummins 425hp engines, have ocean crossing capabilities with a range of three thousand plus of miles and superior fuel efficiency. The interior will feature an updated, modern design aesthetic that includes sumptuous owners’ accommodations and two superb guest rooms all with ensuite heads; crew quarters and off-watch quarters. Although the lines of the N78 will have a European flair, Nordhavn feels the yacht will appeal to international and American markets alike. The project is currently underway with the first hull scheduled to complete in early 2011.

February 24, 2010

British Broom continue to update and redevelop its models, presenting the second generation of the 450 with the new Mark.II series launched during the London boat show. The new Broom 450 Mk.II is recognizable in the outside thanks to all round frame less windows. Inside Broom sticks to the very British aft cabin concept but took also the opportunity to present a new look interior, redesigned seating arrangement for the aft deck, and control position. The 450 Mk.II follows its predecessor offering one of the most spacious for a thirteen metres motor cruiser interior with a twin or triple cabin choice, featuring a spacious aft located master stateroom difficult to find in similar sizes. Standard interior furniture fitting is in pale teak. The 450 Mk.II can be powered by engines from small Volvo D6 310hp a choice ideal for canal users, up to the more sea friendly optional of twin 500hp. Technical Data:
LOA - 13.7 m (45ft)
Deck Length - 13 m
Waterline Length - 11 m
Beam - 4.6 m
Draft - 1.2 m
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 909 l
Water Capacity - 590 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 310hp, D9 500hp, Yanmar 6LYE-ETP 480hp
Propulsion - line shaft

In Albemarle's quest to provide more to its customers the Carolina boat builder announce a new Volvo IPS600 power propulsion choice version for the popular 360XF. This now famous Volvo propulsion system utilizes pod drives that dramatically increases efficiency compared to traditional inboard line shafts configurations. It also offers higher top speeds, faster acceleration, easy handling, reduced fuel consumption, and a better cruising range. IPS also makes for minimal vibration and sound plus virtually no exhaust fumes, thus onboard comfort takes an improvement, while at the same time retains the traditional inboard benefits, such as propellers under the hull plus extensive use of bronze and stainless steel to the gear. Albermarle also have put Volvo’s Sportfish as a standard feature, providing an unparalleled ability to chase a fish after the hook-up. While top speed figures have not been announced Albemarle announced an extra 2.5 knots versus the standard twin Cummins 540hp engines which should reach a 34 knots max, and a 121 litres per hours fuel consumption at 30 knots cruise, which means an improvement of 30%. Accommodation of the 360XF offers a four or five berth layout, version with three beds to fore, and an extra double within the convertible saloon.

February 23, 2010

Polish premier production boat builder Galeon continues its march to fill its range with competitive and diverse products. Coming from the successful launch of the 340 Fly in Dusseldorf, Galeon looks ahead at presenting its next step with the new 385 HT. This project is a size evolution of the 325 Open and HT model but with a bigger size offering wider and larger spaces. Just as all the recent Galeon models the 385 HT is designed by Tony Castro, who presented similar looks to the 325 for the much competitive eleven metre stern drive powered hard top sports cruiser. The main deck of the 385 HT follows recent trends of a flush floor. Here Castro and Galeon concentrated to offer diverse living spaces from the C-shaped settee, chaise lounge, wet bar exterior galley, and helm station. Accommodation lower deck features an L-shaped galley, L-shaped saloon, owners suite to fore, and double cabin aft with private bathroom. The Galeon 385 HT designed by Tony Castro also follows recent client demands not only in the always more wanted all weather more boat use hardtop, but also in big side view windows, and sky screens for the fore deck.

February 22, 2010

Announced at the beginning of the year Cigarette 42 AMG was actually a bigger model based on the 46 Rider, and looks to be less revolutionary as the shown renderings in January. Here is a summary of the press release from one of the worlds premier powerboats brand. The Cigarette name has been built on a reputation for quality and performance, but as it approached its fourteenth year, the company dug deeper into its collective soul to discover how it could become better. President and CEO, Skip Braver, a Mercedes AMG customer, looked to his counterparts in the performance and luxury automotive world for inspiration and he found it. Mercedes-AMG was simultaneously working on its new SLS AMG super sports car designed and developed exclusively by the high performance and motor sports division of the German auto maker which features lightweight aluminum space frame chassis, hand built 563hp AMG V8 engine, and signature Gull wing doors. Teamed with a long-standing professional relationship, revolving around mutual respect and product admiration, Mercedes-AMG shared information and materials that Cigarette could use to upgrade one of its top models, the 46 Rider. Representatives from both companies visited their respective factories and Braver took some pointers from his colleagues on paints, processes, engineering, and materials in the pursuit of performance and exclusivity. The masterpieces unveiled together at the Miami International Boat Show on February 11 showed a commitment to performance and exclusivity. Mercedes-AMG, Cigarette Racing Team and Mercury Racing share that philosophy and the collaborative effort is demonstrated in the new AMG-inspired Cigarette. The boat features many innovations including: AMG Mercedes Alubeam paint, special upholstery, zero-effort digital instrumentation, direct air induction engine hatch, propulsion control module electronic management, latest Mercury power and drives. Cigarettes new 46 AMG is powered by Mercury newest powerful engine drive combination with the new twin QC4v 1350hp engines, and M8 stern drive combination.Technical Data:
Length - 13.71 m (45.7ft)
Beam - 2.43 m
Draft - 1.21 m
Fuel Capacity - 1150 l
Accommodation - 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Mercury QC4v 1350hp
Propulsion - M8 stern drives
Speed - 112 knots (130 mph) estimated

Austin Parker are back with an ambitious project for three bigger models, all following the brands return with the AP42 Open in the fall of last year. These bigger projects will complete Austin Parker Traditional lobster looking line from 42 to 72 feet. Pictured above is the smallest of the new projects, the AP52 Open. This new model is presently under construction, and as the new Austin Parker's carries the signature of renowned yacht designer Fulvio de Simoni, who continues his inspiration as seen with the new 42 of a Lobster Yacht with modern architectural elements. Accommodation in the AP52 offers a three double cabin plan, with a crew berth aft. Interesting here is the owners suite to fore, with queen sized double berth looking to the side makes use of the bow flair, to add size and space similar to that of a full beam suite. Living area will be on the main deck with a C-shaped saloon, and galley just upon the entrance from the patio door. Power will be from twin 800hp MAN engines.
The second of the new projects is Austin Parker AP62 Fly which marks the builder entry into the flybridge world. Again designed by De Simoni the new AP62 Fly continues the cross over elements between tradition and modernity. The tradition shows off with the long forward deck, light flare bow, and shear line. While modernity sticks out with the big view windows mid ship, the aft deck which is quite high for lobster pots collection, and the curved topsides. Accommodation is for a three cabin head plan, with full beam owners stateroom located to midship. A single berth crew cabin with private shower head and separate aft deck entrance is located infront of the engine room. Power is from twin 900hp MAN engines.
Similar in looks to the AP62, the AP72 Fly projects resembles its smaller sister in the shown renderings displaying similar concepts inside and outside. Bigger more spacious is featured in every environment and this is expected with the AP72 Fly being three metres more in length, and one metre in beam to the smaller sister. Apart the size what the plans show are the four cabin head layout, bigger full beam owners suite with walking wardrobe, and double crew cabin located aft. Power for Austin Parker future flagship will be from twin 1360hp MAN engines.

February 20, 2010

Palmer Johnson present the project of a new flagship with the PJ 170 Sport Yacht retaining the instantly recognisable similar identities to the 105 first of the series, 120, 135, and 150 semi-custom built super sport line. All the Sports Yacht series as many recent Palmer Johnson are designed by Italian Venetian firm Nuvolari Lenard. The stylistic refinements and modern technology of the new PJ 170 are very similar to those of the smaller sisters, although with the larger size here, expect a bigger better feel in many of its elements. As the bigger of the range, the 170 demands attention for combining strong, substantial lines without losing sleek sophistication. Providing more space, the 170 will make the owner experience even more luxurious, and comfortable with the foredeck swimming pool, and lounge area being one example of the sheer indulgence this model has to offer the discerning owner seeking the definitive Super Sport Yacht. Power for the new PJ 170 Sports Yacht will be from twin MTU 16v series 4000, and building will be with welded aluminium. Unless someones beats off Palmer Johnson, when launched the PJ 170 Sports Yacht will be the biggest Super Sport Yacht build as at today.

February 19, 2010

Aicon decides to update and improve the 64 Fly model showing attention to its clients demands and at the same time maintaining the characteristics which have determined its success since being launched. The model displayed at this year’s boat shows has been enhanced with details which make it unique. Enriching details, from the teak ceiling of the cockpit as in the larger models of the Aicon range to the teak inserts which refine the exterior, upper part of the fairleads on the wale side, to the gold coloured inserts which characterize the two sides of the cockpit up to the ample flybridge now using all its space for entertainment, and the bathing platform equipped with tender lift. The Aicon 64 was designed by the company Style Center and Marco Mannino offering the owner and his guests sailing with relaxation thanks to a rational and harmonious use of space, in both the interior and the exterior. The Flying bridge, which has been made even more spacious and elegant, the saloon, dining area, galley are independent, and luxurious cabins are equipped to satisfy the needs in total comfort. The elements of design, such as the large, rounded, openable portholes, the elegance of the furnishings and the prestige of the details combine to define and exalt the livability of space aboard the Aicon 64 Fly. One of the most successful models in the Aicon fleet, the 64 Fly has proved popular thanks to a three or four guest cabins choice, nice exterior lines, and thirty knots performance.

February 18, 2010

In 2005, Volvo Penta’s pioneering IPS system created a completely new marine segment, so-called pod installations. With forward-facing and efficient propellers, the IPS system is the undisputed market leader in pod installations, and has created an alternative to traditional shaft installations. The first stage of the IPS system was based on Volvo Penta’s 4 and 6-litre diesel engines. Last year, two new power classes were launched with larger drive units based on Volvo’s 11-liter engines. This year, Volvo Penta is launching a third stage based on the Volvo Group’s 13-litre engines. The two new IPS drive packages generate the equivalent of 1,050 and 1,200 horsepower, respectively, compared with conventional inboard installations. This means that Volvo Penta can now offer the IPS system for boats all the way up to 100+ feet. The engine for the new power classes is Volvo Penta’s 13-liter engine equipped with dual-stage turbo technology, the D13, developing 800 and 900 horsepower, respectively. This 13-liter engine has been developed and designed with the help of ultramodern diesel engine technology.

February 17, 2010

Hustler present the project of the 29 Rockit, the second in this new high performance range following the introduction of the 39 in 2009. Just as its bigger sister the 29 Rockit offers a bottom specifically designed for over the 100 mph mark. This bottom is named by Hustler powerboats as the Sexstep. Sex hear meaning for six, which is how much small steps the vee of the 29 Rockit features. These are made to make the best of stability in the higher speeds mark. The 29 Rockit has also two cockipt styles, Lake and Offshore Edition. In the Lake format you get a single helm bolster, L-shaped settee, and sunpad aft. The Offshore version gives an additional co-pilot seat, forward looking bench for three persons, and again a sunpad aft. Interior plans are not shown, but I do accept the usual vee shaped berth to fore, small bar galley, and shower head. Power options are for two choices all from Mercury with a 496 standard, or 525 optional.

Based on the 430 Sport Coupe hull, the Sports Euro is Mustang's flybridge version of the more aggressive looking hard top design. Just as its smaller hardtop sister the 480 Sports Euro is designed with European elements. It was presented officially in Australia's premier Sydney boat show in August. Interior for the 480 Sports Euro will be a two or three cabin choice, with a single or two heads plan. The two cabin version offers an utility room in lieu of a double cabin, and larger single bathroom. Larger to normal horizontal wedge shape view windows feature in the owners cabin to fore. The flybridge offers a C-shaped settee in the forward part, and a sun pad aft under the radar arch. Power is from twin Volvo IPS600 pod drives.

February 16, 2010

Presentation
Launched in 2007 the Menorquin Yacht 145 continues up market thinking by the Spanish Menorca Island boat builder. This made the MY145 not only important for being a new model in its presentation at the Palma Show of Spring 2007, but more so because it introduced vacuum infusion in the building method, and the use of an outside designer with Tommaso Spadolini taking the job for the exterior looks. This last idea of out sourcing the design got so much praise in the MY145 that Menorquin have also used a separate independent designer for the newly planned 20 and 24 metres flagships, using the hands of other famous Italian architect Fulvio De Simoni for the upcoming Custom Yacht range. The MY145 is one of the recent additions to the Menorquin line, but the yard listening to customers demands put a new additional three cabins five berths version in early 2009. As many Menorquin's the MY145 is also offered in different versions for what regard the outside. A Fly as for the review here, or the standard Hardtop.

Accommodation
Interiors have always been the bread and butter of the Menorquin yachts, offering livable layouts with good spaces and classic wood filled finishes. But lets start with the outside of the MY145 welcoming you aft with an extended integrated bathing platform which comes out stylishly from the lower part of the traditional canoe stern. A small moulded door to starboard welcomes you to the aft deck. This space is available as both free or with an optional two person bench settee to port. On both sides and up one step you go to the integrated and safe side deck, which takes you to the bow, where you find a very nice forward looking four person bench sofa. From the aft main deck is the the ladder which takes you to the flybridge. The fly has a C-shaped settee to port, helm station to starboard, and optional hydraulic crane to aft which creates stowage space for a medium sized tender. The crane and extended bathing platform makes it possible to carry two tenders.

Back to aft and moving forward a three part patio door welcomes you inside the interior living deck. To port here is an L-shaped settee which can transform to a double berth, making total sleeping capacity plus two for a total six or seven berths. To starboard is a small furniture unit opposite the dinette, and the fully equipped internal helm station.

From the middle of the main deck and down four steps you reach the lower accommodation deck. This part of the MY145 is available in two layouts. The standard is a two cabin, two shower heads, C-shaped galley, and a small L-shaped settee. Optional is a three cabin version. This gives a single cabin in lieu of the small settee below and also takes part of the galley. Cabin planning is rather standard as a traditional cruiser should be. But that does not mean that is not comfortable. The owners suite is located to fore, double cabin midship port side with two single berths. and a guest shower head. The third cabin option gets its location to starboard side in front of the galley, and is a single berth.

Performance

Having a traditional fully keeled semi displacement hull, the Menorquin MY145 Fly gives a respectable medium speed cruise. The full keel pays a price in performance due to drag, but then it gives back in better direction control, which added with the full hull measuring only seventeen centimetres to the overall length gives also superior stability. These two factors, keel and full under the water hull give also minimum rolling with a natural progressive movement during cruise or anchor. The MY145 is offered with four engine choices starting with the standard twin Volvo D4 300hp, to the other optional choices from the D6 330hp, most high revving Yanmar 310hp, and the Cummins 330hp which revs the less. With twin Volvo D6 330hp the MY145 Fly reaches top speeds of 18 knots at the max 3500 rpm. Optimum cruising was at 2800 rpm with speeds of 14 knots, range of 245 nautical miles, and consumption of 5.2 litres per mile. If you want to enjoy more the trip you can also cruise at a slower 8 knots with the Volvo's 330hp only revving at 1600 rpm, giving a long range of eighty hours or 645 nautical miles.

Positive

Good economy speed

Full deck use

Accommodation

Negative

Low flybridge safety walls

Competition

Surprisingly the Menorquin MY145 Fly is the real wild card for staying closer to its roots. In fact the MY145 unlike other traditional looking boats stays true to its ancestors hull shape, and is unique for having medium range explorer qualities in its DNA. If you want a semi displacement hull the closer you can get is with a live aboard explorer like the Grand Banks 41 Heritage EU, or the Rhea 43. Competition criteria was for flybridge, thirteen to fourteen metres size, two or three cabins, twin engines, and 15 knots plus of speed.

Slow Yachting is the new Menorquin campaign presented in the fall of 2009 in November during the Barcelona Boat Show. This campaign gives reasons why one should choose a Menorquin boat. Most important are that of stable navigation, relax sailing, easy manoeuvrability, max safety, fuel economy, and enjoyment of the boat during cruise. Obviously the MY145 Fly has all these features and more, being one of its latest designs. Its lower deck for example is spacious and the three cabin plan gives also better flexibility for those who cruise as a large family. You also get an exterior and living main deck where safe enjoyment is a total experience, thanks to safe bulwarks, and the settee to fore. The Menorquin MY145 Fly should be a first look if you want a traditional looking cruiser echoing the past with a canoe style stern, good comfortable spaces, and slow to medium economical cruising speeds.

February 15, 2010

With over two thousand deliveries of over twelve metres Cranchi from 1988 since today, it was only a matter of time, thinking and effort for the Italian builder to go over its since the year 2000 reached fifty feet limit and create the new Sixty 4 HT flagship. The official decision to go bigger was taken in 2005, and since then Cranchi built a whole new establishment, its fourth named Seventy Plant Four able to construct boats larger to fifty feet from the new Yacht Class range with extreme efficiency and productive manner. The larger size expansion plan also meant more investment to Cranchi test centre which has been updated with a new marina, and bigger 100 ton travel lift. Cranchi 64 HT over four years in the making has a lot to say in the way it was come up to be. But also in itself has much to tell offering an all inclusive fully over equipped Sport Yacht. This Sport Yacht has more to what a normal yachtsman would ask as standard, and comes complete with more then one would desire like hydraulic bow stern thrusters, water maker, night vision, and aft winches. Then there is the technical unique details to mention with the hardtop made in collaboration with Webasto taking first attention, followed by the fully opening patio to the aft deck, side door by the helm to the side deck, opening side windows in the interior saloon, shower on the fore deck, and up down bathing platform. Worth to note that the main central patio door and side door, have electric opening with a back up manual system for emergency. Spaciousness is also found in this three double guest cabin Sport Yacht, but it is not only measured in centimeters in that or this area, but most notably in compartments which open up everywhere onboard. Here Cranchi never abandoning its small boats heritage sure know a thing or two, and put it to very good use on its new biggest offer. Another first for Cranchi is also the choice of its engines with the 64 HT being powered by twin MAN 1400hp with standard shaft propulsion. This choice moves away from the Volvo marriage the Italian builder has on its smaller models since I can remember. Speeds are for a 35 knots max, with a 32 knots cruise, these being obtained with prototype hull number one which was powered by smaller MAN 1360hp engines. Aldo Cranchi and the yard research and technical department opted for a construction in traditional fiberglass ways with hand laid solid single skin bottom, and sandwich core hull for the sides, and some parts of the topsides. Technical Data:
LOA - 20.85 m (68.4ft)
Hull Length - 18.65 m
Beam - 5.10 m
Draft - 1.50 m
Displacement - 30.5 t empty, 35.3 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 3600 l
Water Capacity - 770 l
Max Persons - 16
Accommodation - 6 guest berths in 3 cabins, 1 crew cabin with single berth
Engines - 2 x MAN D2862 V12 1400hp
Propulsion - shaft drive in semi tunnels
Speed - 35 knots max, 32 knots cruise with 1370hp
Construction - vinilester resins single skin solid bottom, cored sides parts of super structure
Design - Aldo Cranchi, Centro Studi Richerche and Stile Cranchi

Meridian presents project details of the 541 Sedan. This new Meridian will be second in size to this US builder fleet, and flagship of the four model Sedan line. Among the most sold flybridge boats in the US, the Brunswick owned Meridian line has been gaining huge market share in the last years, and the 541 Sedan is a reply for owners demand to remain with the brand. As the above rendering shows the 541 Sedan has European influenced looks with large view windows going from bow to midship on both the main and lower deck. Interesting is also the curved shear line that goes from low just above the bathing platform aft to the bow. Accommodation is for a three cabin layout with a full beam owners suite. Below deck is also space for an utility crew room to midship. The main deck plan does not show an internal lower helm, but so far it is interesting to see the layout of this split level saloon, which has an opposite plan to the norm with an aft galley, dining table upon entrance, and a house like sofa having opposite entertainment centre in the three steps raised area to fore. The flybridge seems also unusual to other European designs of similar size for the fact that it does not offer a sunpad, and has a large wetbar. Standard twin 600hp, or optional 715hp Cummins with ZF Zeus pods will power the Meridian 541 Sedan. The optional Cummins QSM11 715hp ZF Zeus pods combination is also a first exclusive to the 541 Sedan.

February 14, 2010

It was again a day of long wait, but the day looked good from the start for the second race of the 33rd Americas Cup. Nonetheless we had to wait close till the time limit to start a race, which is at 1630. At 1614 the postponement flag went down, and the race start time was on for 1626.

The start duel was not exciting as for race one. But still we saw a very surprising error from the Defending Swiss Team who entered the box late and at the wrong side. Again Alinghi5 left the judges with no choice receiving a penalty. After this we saw both boats staying to there respective sides BMWOracle to port side, and Alinghi to starboard. The error in the box entering might have mixed up the Defender which started with a deficit of 24 seconds.

Surprisingly both boats choose a separate direction with the USAOracle going to starboard, and Alinghi to port of the circuits. This early separation reach a distance of three kilometres. Having a five hundred metres advantage and three minutes into the race BMWOracle decides to tack and cover. But Alinghi was on the right side of the course for position and wind. Having better air Alinghi5 catamaran saw its disadvantage decrease and surprisingly go ahead for most part of the first run. Here BMWOracle suffered at times seven hundred metres of deficit to the defender. The lead from the Defender continued until the boats came close to the first turn mark, and here BMWOracle tactician made a perfect call to gybe exactly on the lay line, cross behind Alinghi5, and take the lead seconds later. BMWOracle rounds the first mark by 28 seconds ahead of the very close first run.

From now on we see the Challenger boat extend its lead going over to two thousand metres in some parts, and 2 minutes 44 seconds of advantage by the second mark. The last run saw a cover from the Challenger BMWOracle and crossing the finishing line with a 5 minutes 26 second lead. Of note is the red protest flag which appeared in the Defender boat towards the end of the first leg. The Defender canceled its protest after the end of the race.

BMWOracle is the winner of the 33rd Americas Cup, and this should also bring an end to the legal dispute. This is at least what was verbally promised by the Swiss Defending team. Today started also the rumours for the Challenger of Record for the next 34th Edition with an Italian prominent sport paper saying the Italian Mascalzone Latino is favorite for this title. Now its just to hope that this legally intense 33rd Americas Cup is over once and for all.

February 13, 2010

Announcing this order in 2007, Mulder has finally launched its new all aluminium 92 Flybridge. The 92 Flybridge is Mulder's biggest build to date and was made for an Egyptian client. Design was trusted to long time Mulder collaborator Guido de Groot who presented a round-bilged, semi-planing underwater shape, typical to the offers from the Dutch builder. Dr Groot was also responsible for the previous bigger 88 Flybridge plans, and here he follows similar but more modern looking exterior, adding length, and beam to offer more comfort. The Mulder 92 Flybridge is alloy offering a superior customization to owners, unimaginable in any glass fibre Super Yacht of similar size. Powered by twin Cats C18 1015hp engines the 92 Flybidge should achieve top speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 16. Other more powerful engines pushing the speeds up to about 25 knots should also be available.

February 12, 2010

Finally after two cancelled days last Monday and Wednesday, racing of the first fully multi hull America's Cup got underway today Friday the 12th February. The breezy morning gave hope to the day and it did materialize in real racing at 1434 CET. The reply to the rumours about speed where coming to an end, and we could see the reality of Defender Alinghi 5 catamaran, and Challenger BMWOracle trimaran by dueling.

The start part duel which is five minutes prior the actual match was exciting as ever, with Alinghi closing the way to the starboard right of way BMW Oracle, and receiving a penalty during the entrance. But the excitement was not over as BMW Oracle blocking Alinghi5 was actually immobilized itself and could not move for a minute. While this happened Alinghi5 escaped, went inside the box turned the start mark and got a one minute 27 second advantage and 670 metres of length before the BMWOracle made its way the start line. The start gave a good advantage to Defender Alinghi5. But unfortunately for the defender this was short lived and in less thirty minutes the USA BMW Oracle trimaran made it up to nothing. Only two tacks and twenty miles upwind the US boat continued to show its power adding further metres before the turn of the top mark, where Alinghi5 had a deficit of three minutes 21 seconds. Before the mark commentators where stating that in most probability the down wind leg should give advantage to the defender, being the catamaran lighter to the US trimaran. An advantage which did not materialize and again we saw the BMWOracle thrashing the Swiss boat and adding its distance close to the four thousand metres mark. Just to add more pain to the Defender when doing the penalty before the finish line, Alinghi did not cross it properly and had to cross over again adding a further five minutes to the deficit which finished a total of 15 minutes 28 seconds.

The first of the best of three races in mostly light wind has shown a superior power from the US Trimaran Challenger and it will take something big from the Swiss Defender to haul this deficit which in today's conditions had an average of 10% advantage. Today's average ten knots breeze showed the US BMWOracle trimaran more power in both up and down wind legs, and that it can ride closer to wind angle. Next race now is scheduled for Sunday with a forecast wind of Force 4 to 5. We will see if the judges give way to racing in this wind for round two, and what Alinghi 5 can do for itself to make it competitive.

Magellan Marine is a new company founded in Liechtenstein and presents its first project model the eighteen metre Space. A list of new names surrounds this first project from this small North European country starting with the concept from Peter Mintel, naval architecture by Andrew Lea, and design by Maximillian Kolb. The Magellan Space will have an axe bow concept which according to its builder should reduce vertical acceleration by as much as 50%. Other novelties is a dual panelled glasses with integrated solar panels used for the hard top and cabin deck to fore. The Magellan Space looks like an out of the norm concept mixing live aboard solutions with a fast hull able to achieve 35 knots of top speed. The interior plan offers a twin double cabin layout, with midship owners stateroom, and VIP suite to fore. A three cabin plan is also available on request. Worth to note is that the renderings also show a very comfortable living saloon, with galley bar unit, chaise lounge, C-shaped sofa, and huge views from big windows which surround all of the main deck area. Construction will be of alloy and the production is limited up to 33 units all customisable to owners wishes. Power is from standard twin Volvo IPS900 or optional triple units of the same drive engine.

February 11, 2010

Maritimo presents the more standard to the eye version of the A50 Aegean called the Flybridge. First presented as the Enclosed version with upper bridge, the A50 Aegean Flybidge takes a similar stance to its more all weather sister, and features more standard forms. The A50 Aegean Flybridge has in fact a standard proposition of a dual helm station, inside on the main deck, and open air on the fly. The flybridge being the main difference to the other version gives you a central helm station, L-shaped settee to port, and a bunk for three persons to starboard. Aft of the flybridge, is left free to use as one desires. The maid deck of the A50 Aegean Flybridge has a similar layout to the Enclosed, with the difference that to starboard we have the interior commanding station, in replacement of the internal staircase. The staircase of the Flybridge version is outside in integrated fiberglass mould. Identical to the Enclosed the lower deck accommodation plan is for a three cabin five berth two heads layout. Owners suite to port mid ship, VIP to fore, single guest cabin and head number two to starboard. The A50 as the bigger Aegean sisters has the rare uniqueness to find for a flybridge motor yacht tender garage solution. The beam and draft dimensions of the hull give away that most probably the under waters of the A50 are very similar to all of the Maritimo Aegean, full range of Sports Cabriolet, 48 / 52 Cruising Motor Yacht, and 500 / 550 Offshore Convertible. Power is from twin Volvo D12s 775hp each which should give an economical 25 knots cruise. Technical Data:
LOA - 16.11 m (52.8ft)
Beam - 5.2 m
Draft - 1.3 m
Displacement - 22 t
Fuel Capacity - 3000 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Accommodation - 5 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D12-800 775hp
Propulsion - line shaft 9 degrees angle
Speed - 25 knots cruise
Hull Shape - variable deadrise vee

German's mass pleasure boat builder challenges the market again by presenting two new projects which are alternate versions of models already presented. The first of these projects is the 46 Deep Blue Flybridge and just like the Open and SportTop version, BMW Group DesignworksUSA are responsible for the exterior design. This new flybridge Motor Cruiser version of the 46 Deep Blue series offers a dual helm station experience combined with more interior space on the main deck. This motor cruiser puts Bavaria into a new league, as in fact it is the German builder first flybridge boat. Opening glass doors welcome you inside, and slide open over the entire boat´s width, which take you to sheltered relaxing areas. The flybridge features the second helm station to starboard, central C-shaped settee aft, and a sunbathing area to fore. Glass surfaces to fore and on the side of the fore deck add to additional natural light to the cabins. Down below just as the other 46 Deep Blue which this Flybridge version shares the hull with, is a three double cabins, and two heads plan. Owners stateroom to fore, and the two double guest cabins to mid ship. Unlike the other 46 Deep Blue in Open or SportTop version, which are powered by Volvo stern drives the Flybridge will have IPS 600 forward looking pods.
The other Bavaria project is based on the just presented 38 Sport, latest new launch of Bavaria's sport cruiser line, and follows similar looks to the successful 28 Sport launched in the fall of 2009. As in all its models over thirty feet presented in recent years Bavaria has developed a Hardtop version in close cooperation with BMW Group DesignworksUSA, its partner in terms of exterior design. The new 38 Sport HT will be a good looking sport cruiser offering sporty and dynamic lines, featuring an evolutionary hard top style which joins with the high free board hull and clean design aspects of the new BMW DesignworksUSA projects. Just as the standard 38 Sport the new Sport HT version offers a spaciously arranged cockpit featuring a large seating area, sun, wellness corners, integrated wet bar, and another sunbathing spot on the foredeck. The 38 Sport HT interior is a twin separate cabin, and convertible C-shaped settee plan. Power will be from twin stern drive with the standard starting engines being twin Volvo 320hp petrol engines.